Écuisses walks

This is the third section of the southern Burgundy crossing, which is part of the VIA Burgundia. From the confluence of the Yonne and Seine rivers in Montereau-Fault-Yonne, it crosses the whole of Burgundy to reach Macon. It is also the Eternal Burgundy trail, where history blends with heritage to reveal the region's beautiful natural surroundings.

During this hike, you will leave from the entrance to Saint-Laurent d'Andenay and head to the village of Écuisses along the RCEA (Route Centre Europe Atlantique), then cross Écuisses les Sept-Écluses via the greenway along the Canal du Centre. In Écuisses, you have the option of visiting the Canal Museum and Villa Perrusson. Then, still following the greenway, you will reach the Jeanne Rose bridge and your starting point via the D18.

Saint-Laurent d'Andenay, a small village near Montchanin, is crossed by the Paris-Marseille TGV line. During this walk, you can take a picnic break on the banks of the pond, where tables are available.

This is a hilly hike offering some clear views from one side of the Orbize to the other in the heart of the Châtel-Moron forest. The route sometimes climbs a little to vary the landscape, but it is not particularly difficult and remains sufficiently shaded to be enjoyable in the summer months.

A hilly hike south of the Côte Chalonnaise, where calcareous grasslands have not entirely given way to vineyards. Although the forest is never far away, the walk offers unobstructed views for most of the route.

A short walk through meadows and vineyards, taking in the village of Saint-Martin-du-Tartre and its beautiful views.

Continuing to discover the Saône-et-Loire region through this wine-growing village and its many small wash-houses. The trail ends at Mont Avril, with its panoramic view over the whole valley. I advise you to do this trail in autumn to get the most out of it.

A hill walk with no major challenges, in an unspoilt setting with villages overlooked by Mont Bouzu. Changing views all along the way, including a wide shot of Mont Saint-Vincent and a visit to the Château de Pontus-de-Thyard.

This hike is part of the Grande Traversée de la Bourgogne du Sud (Great Crossing of Southern Burgundy) route, which, together with the Grande Traversée de l'Yonne and the Grande Traversée du Morvan, make up the Via Burgundia. This long route, which runs from Montereau-Fault-Yonne to Macon, allows you to discover the Eternal Burgundy and stretches for almost 500 km. You can find out more on the website.

A peaceful crossing of the Plateau de Saint-Désert in the vicinity of Mont Avril and Mont Brogny. In the distance, the perched hamlet of Cruchaud stands guard to the South, before the route offers an escape to the Plaine de Saône.

For this hike, I had fun making this trail around the crosses and other statues in the Vallée des Vaux. Useful for discovering the beauty of the landscape.

This 10km loop hike starts from Saint-Clément-sur-Guye, with the Carapone at its highest point (440m), and takes in the villages of Saint-Clément-sur-Guye (Romanesque church listed as a historic monument in 1927, a tower to the east of the church), Rains, commune of Joncy (pretty stone houses), Le Petit Ballay, its square tower, its 'Murgers' (piles of stones removed from the vines), before Corcelles (hamlet of Saint-Clément).

Discover Mercurey's surroundings: the vineyards, of course, but also the different viewpoints over the village and the beautiful 12th-century churches.

This walk starts in the medieval town of Saint-Gengoux-le-National, continues to Culle-les-Roches, a village below a cliff with a cave, and returns via a lost viaduct in the forest.

A family-friendly, educational route that takes you to superb panoramic views on both sides of the ridge.

Lovely walk along the water's edge and through the forest on easy paths.